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The ‘Actually, That’s Not What That Word Means’ Quiz

These words sound alike, but aren't!
20 comments

Did you know that English has more than 400 pairs of commonly confused words? Many of these confusions come from English's habit of borrowing words from multiple languages. For example, "complement" comes from Latin (meaning "to complete"), while "compliment" comes from Italian via French (meaning "to be courteous").

Have you ever sent an email using "affect" when you meant "effect," or confidently announced you were "emigrating" to the next town instead of "immigrating"? You're not alone. The English language is packed with words that sound almost identical but carry entirely different meanings. These pairs of words - often called homophones or near-homophones - can create some seriously awkward (and sometimes hilarious) situations.

Using the wrong word from a sound-alike pair can transform your intended message into something completely different. Picture yourself in a job interview, describing how you helped "elicit" positive changes in your previous role, but instead saying you helped "illicit" them - suddenly, you're accidentally claiming credit for some questionable activities! These subtle differences in pronunciation and meaning can impact everything from professional communications to personal relationships.

Common scenarios where these mix-ups happen

  • Writing professional emails or reports at work
  • Creating social media posts or blog content
  • Working on academic papers or assignments
  • Drafting important personal messages

How to Take the Similar Sounding Words Quiz

We've carefully selected 20 word pairs that frequently cause confusion, ranging from common mixups to more challenging pairs that might surprise even seasoned writers. Each question comes with a clear explanation, so you'll learn something new with every answer.

  1. Read each question carefully - context is key!
  2. Choose the word that best fits the given definition
  3. Take your time with each answer - this isn't a speed test
  4. Read the explanation after each answer to boost your learning
  5. Share your results with friends to compare scores
  6. Return to practice with different word pairs

Understanding these word pairs doesn't just improve your vocabulary - it sharpens your listening skills, enhances your writing, and makes you a more precise communicator. Whether you're a student, professional, or simply someone who loves language, mastering these distinctions will serve you well.

Similar Sounding Words Quiz

You're about to face 20 challenging questions that will test your ability to distinguish between words that sound similar but mean different things. After each answer, you'll get an explanation that will help cement the difference in your mind. Whether you score perfectly or discover some new learning opportunities, you'll finish this quiz with stronger language skills than when you started.

Let's put your vocabulary precision to the test!

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20 Comments

โš ๏ธ May contain spoilers
  1. GrandmasterBill has over 1000 plays in total
    ๐Ÿ… Ranked #24Bill is ranked 24th for quizzes completed in the last 30 days
    ๐Ÿ† 24th in TriviaBill is the 24th top scorer in trivia over the last 30 days
    Mega FanBill is the comment megastar!
    5Bill is on a 5-day streak!
    6 hours ago

    16/20

  2. Novice8spiritguides has over 20 plays in total
    ๐Ÿ† 152nd in Trivia8spiritguides is the 152nd top scorer in trivia over the last 30 days
    Rising Fan8spiritguides's comments are on the rise!
    1 day ago

    I got 20 out of 20!
    Outstanding! Your command of the English language is truly exceptional. You have a remarkable ability to distinguish between similar-sounding words, demonstrating both keen attention to detail and a sophisticated vocabulary. Your linguistic precision will serve you well in both academic and professional settings.

  3. GrandmasterBill has over 1000 plays in total
    ๐Ÿ… Ranked #24Bill is ranked 24th for quizzes completed in the last 30 days
    ๐Ÿ† 24th in TriviaBill is the 24th top scorer in trivia over the last 30 days
    Mega FanBill is the comment megastar!
    5Bill is on a 5-day streak!
    2 days ago

    18/20

  4. Elite PlayerNick Hirst has over 500 plays in total
    ๐Ÿ… Ranked #184Nick Hirst is ranked 184th for quizzes completed in the last 30 days
    ๐Ÿ† 87th in TriviaNick Hirst is the 87th top scorer in trivia over the last 30 days
    Top FanNick Hirst is the comment champ!
    3Nick Hirst is on a 3-day streak!
    3 days ago

    I got 20 out of 20! Well, I am a writer and broadcaster and have, sometimes, taught English as a foreign language in various countries.

  5. U
    Ultimate Player
    4 days ago

    20/20!!!!

  6. GrandmasterJanet has over 1000 plays in total
    ๐Ÿ… Ranked #21Janet is ranked 21st for quizzes played in the last 30 days
    ๐Ÿ† 17th in TriviaJanet is the 17th top scorer in trivia over the last 30 days
    Super FanJanet is the comment superstar!
    242Janet is on a 242-day streak!
    4 days ago

    19/20.

  7. Masterolivia has over 200 plays in total
    ๐Ÿ… Ranked #26olivia is ranked 26th for quizzes completed in the last 30 days
    ๐Ÿ† 74th in Triviaolivia is the 74th top scorer in trivia over the last 30 days
    Mega Fanolivia is the comment megastar!
    2olivia is on a 2-day streak!
    4 days ago

    16/20

  8. Grandmasteryvonnelawrenson has over 1000 plays in total
    ๐Ÿ… Ranked #10yvonnelawrenson is ranked 10th for quizzes played in the last 30 days
    ๐Ÿ† 9th in Triviayvonnelawrenson is the 9th top scorer in trivia over the last 30 days
    Mega Fanyvonnelawrenson is the comment megastar!
    17yvonnelawrenson is on a 17-day streak!
    5 days ago

    20/20 Goodey, says outstanding, my command of the english language is truly exceptional, Lol.

  9. Elite PlayerWILD BILL has over 500 plays in total
    Top FanWILD BILL is the comment champ!
    3WILD BILL is on a 3-day streak!
    5 days ago

    8 out of 20! ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿป

  10. Elite Playerbewitchingomen has over 500 plays in total
    ๐Ÿ… Ranked #186bewitchingomen is ranked 186th for quizzes completed in the last 30 days
    ๐Ÿ† 157th in Triviabewitchingomen is the 157th top scorer in trivia over the last 30 days
    Top Fanbewitchingomen is the comment champ!
    330bewitchingomen is on a 330-day streak!
    5 days ago

    I got 20 out of 20!
    Outstanding! Your command of the English language is truly exceptional. You have a remarkable ability to distinguish between similar-sounding words, demonstrating both keen attention to detail and a sophisticated vocabulary. Your linguistic precision will serve you well in both academic and professional settings.

  11. C
    Christine Wells
    5 days ago

    20/20. I’m a word nerd!

  12. Elite PlayerBeth Sweet has over 500 plays in total
    2Beth Sweet is on a 2-day streak!
    5 days ago

    19/20

  13. MasterYvonne has over 200 plays in total
    ๐Ÿ† 127th in TriviaYvonne is the 127th top scorer in trivia over the last 30 days
    Rising FanYvonne's comments are on the rise!
    5 days ago

    20/20. I love word quizzes. Almost guaranteed full or high marks. Words are probably the one thing I am really good at.

  14. GrandmasterMARK MORRALL has over 1000 plays in total
    ๐Ÿ… Ranked #16MARK MORRALL is ranked 16th for quizzes completed in the last 30 days
    ๐Ÿ† 19th in TriviaMARK MORRALL is the 19th top scorer in trivia over the last 30 days
    Mega FanMARK MORRALL is the comment megastar!
    108MARK MORRALL is on a 108-day streak!
    5 days ago

    I got 19 out of 20 – 95%
    Outstanding! Your command of the English language is truly exceptional. You have a remarkable ability to distinguish between similar-sounding words, demonstrating both keen attention to detail and a sophisticated vocabulary. Your linguistic precision will serve you well in both academic and professional settings.

    Bugger it! I missed it on the last question.

    10 / 5 / 25

  15. GrandmasterKIM A. has over 1000 plays in total
    ๐Ÿ… Ranked #34KIM A. is ranked 34th for quizzes completed in the last 30 days
    ๐Ÿ† 38th in TriviaKIM A. is the 38th top scorer in trivia over the last 30 days
    206KIM A. is on a 206-day streak!
    5 days ago

    19/20 missed the rue/ ruse question

    (Edited)

  16. m
    marline
    5 days ago

    17/20

  17. Elite Playervienna has over 500 plays in total
    ๐Ÿ… Ranked #114vienna is ranked 114th for quizzes completed in the last 30 days
    Super Fanvienna is the comment superstar!
    5 days ago

    I got 13 out of 20!
    Great work! You have a strong understanding of word meanings and the ability to distinguish between similar-sounding terms. With just a bit more practice, you’ll master even the most challenging word pairs. Keep it up, and your language skills will soar!
    I have literally never heard of any of these words besides the last one

  18. Masterella has over 200 plays in total
    ๐Ÿ… Ranked #52ella is ranked 52nd for quizzes completed in the last 30 days
    Super Fanella is the comment superstar!
    6 days ago

    I got 20 out of 20!
    Outstanding! Your command of the English language is truly exceptional. You have a remarkable ability to distinguish between similar-sounding words, demonstrating both keen attention to detail and a sophisticated vocabulary. Your linguistic precision will serve you well in both academic and professional settings.

  19. GrandmasterLeo Proctor has over 1000 plays in total
    ๐Ÿ… Ranked #41Leo Proctor is ranked 41st for quizzes completed in the last 30 days
    ๐Ÿ† 41st in TriviaLeo Proctor is the 41st top scorer in trivia over the last 30 days
    Super FanLeo Proctor is the comment superstar!
    6 days ago

    I got 18 out of 20!
    Outstanding! Your command of the English language is truly exceptional. You have a remarkable ability to distinguish between similar-sounding words, demonstrating both keen attention to detail and a sophisticated vocabulary. Your linguistic precision will serve you well in both academic and professional settings.

  20. K
    Kira Callaghan
    6 days ago

    20/20

๐Ÿ‘‘
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